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Increasing number of Korean Americans renounce S. Korean citizenship

April 2, 2015
(Korea Times file)

(Korea Times file)

The number of Angelenos renouncing their South Korean citizenships saw an increase this year, according to the Korean Consulate General.

From Jan. 1 to the end of March, 161 Korean Americans with dual citizenship applied to give up their Korean ones, compared to 133 people during the same period last year and 99 in 2013.

Male dual citizens must renounce their Korean citizenship by March 31 the year they turn 18 years old if they want to avoid the possibility of being drafted into the South Korean military. Otherwise, the next renouncement period begins when they turn age 38, according to the Consulate General.

One Comment

  1. Kevin

    April 2, 2015 at 5:23 PM

    As a Korean/American, I reluctantly gave up my Korean citizenship as required by the Korean government to receive an F4 Visa. With more Korean/Americans returning to Korea to work, which requires an F4 Visa, more people will need to give up their Korean citizenship.

    I hope the Korean government would seriously consider changing this rule.

    Reply